Connector system

ABSTRACT

A connector which couples to an outlet conduit to decrease an outlet conduit passageway pressure differential between outlet conduit opposing first and second ends, whereby the connector includes a mixing chamber having a first inlet port in fluidic communication with a connector first open end and the mixing chamber; an outlet port in fluidic communication with the mixing chamber and a connector second open end; and a second inlet port in fluidic communication with the connector second open end and the mixing chamber. Additionally, a connector including a connector internal surface defining a connector passageway which communicates between connector first and second open ends; and a sensor module operatively coupled to the connector passageway to sense a parameter of a first fluid flowing in a first fluid flow path through the connector passageway.

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/063,896, filed Oct. 14, 2014,hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a connector which couples to an outlet conduit to decrease anoutlet conduit passageway pressure differential between outlet conduitopposing first and second ends, and methods of making and using such aconnector, whereby the connector includes a mixing chamber having afirst inlet port in fluidic communication with a connector first openend and the mixing chamber; an outlet port in fluidic communication withthe mixing chamber and a connector second open end; and a second inletport in fluidic communication with the connector second open end and themixing chamber.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a connector whereby the connector first open end isconfigured to couple to a first inlet conduit to fluidicly couple afirst inlet conduit passageway to the first inlet port; whereby theconnector second open end is configured to couple to an outlet conduitto fluidicly couple an outlet conduit passageway to the outlet port; andwhereby the connector second open end is further configured to couple toa second inlet conduit to fluidicly couple a second inlet conduitpassageway to the second inlet port.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a connector whereby the first inlet conduit passageway, thefirst inlet port, the mixing chamber, the outlet port, and the outletconduit passageway define a first fluid flow path in which a first fluidflows; whereby the second inlet conduit passageway, the second inletport, and the mixing chamber define a second fluid flow path in which asecond fluid flows; and whereby the second fluid mixes with the firstfluid in the mixing chamber to decrease the outlet conduit passagewaypressure differential.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a connector, and methods of making and using such aconnector, whereby the connector includes a connector internal surfacedefining a connector passageway which communicates between connectorfirst and second open ends; and a sensor module operatively coupled tothe connector passageway to sense a parameter of a first fluid flowingin a first fluid flow path through the connector passageway.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the connector system which couples to an outlet conduit to decreasean outlet conduit passageway pressure differential between outletconduit opposing first and second ends and/or for sensing a parameter ofa first fluid flowing in a first fluid flow path through a connectorpassageway.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector) having an outlet conduit and asecond inlet conduit coupled to a connector second open end.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector) showing a connector first open end.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector) showing a connector second openend.

FIG. 5 is a first end view of a particular embodiment of a connector (ora second housing of a connector).

FIG. 6 is a second end view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector).

FIG. 7 is a first side view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector).

FIG. 8 is a second side view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector).

FIG. 9 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a connector (or asecond housing of a connector).

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a connector (or asecond housing of a connector).

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of a particular embodiment of aconnector (or a second housing of a connector) and a first valve.

FIG. 12B is a first end view of a particular embodiment of a connector(or a second housing of a connector) with a first valve disposed withina connector first open end.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a firsthousing of a connector having a first inlet conduit coupled to aconnector first open end.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a firsthousing of a connector.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a particular embodiment of afirst housing of a connector having first housing upper and lowerportions.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a connectorcomprising first and second housings, whereby an inlet conduit iscoupled to a connector first open end defined by the first housing, andan outlet conduit and a second inlet conduit are coupled to a connectorsecond open end defined by the second housing.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the particular embodiment ofthe connector shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of an outletconduit and a second inlet conduit combined into a one-piece tubularconstruct including both an outlet conduit passageway and a second inletconduit passageway.

FIG. 19 is an end view of the particular embodiment of the one-piecetubular construct shown in FIG. 18, including a second valve disposedwithin a second fluid flow path to regulate flow of a second fluid.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the particular embodiment of the one-piecetubular construct shown in FIG. 18, including a second valve disposedwithin a second fluid flow path to regulate flow of a second fluid.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theone-piece tubular construct shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a particular embodiment of a sensor moduleof the connector.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, which illustrates a method of using aparticular embodiment of an inventive connector (1) which couples to anoutlet conduit (2) to decrease an outlet conduit passageway pressuredifferential (3) between outlet conduit opposing first and second ends(4)(5), whereby the connector (1) includes a mixing chamber (6) having afirst inlet port (7) in fluidic communication with a connector firstopen end (8) and the mixing chamber (6); an outlet port (9) in fluidiccommunication with the mixing chamber (6) and a connector second openend (10); and a second inlet port (11) in fluidic communication with theconnector second open end (10) and the mixing chamber (6).

The method includes coupling a first inlet conduit (12) to the connectorfirst open end (8) to fluidicly couple a first inlet conduit passageway(13) with the first inlet port (7), coupling the outlet conduit (2) tothe connector second open end (10) to fluidicly couple an outlet conduitpassageway (14) with the outlet port (9), and coupling a second inletconduit (15) to the connector second open end (10) to fluidicly couple asecond inlet conduit passageway (16) with the second inlet port (11).

As to particular embodiments, the method further includes generating aflow of a first fluid (17) in a first fluid flow path (18) defined bythe first inlet conduit passageway (13), the first inlet port (7), themixing chamber (6), the outlet port (9), and the outlet conduitpassageway (14) (for example, from the first inlet conduit passageway(13) toward the outlet conduit passageway (14)); and generating a flowof a second fluid (19) in a second fluid flow path (20) defined by thesecond inlet conduit passageway (16), the second inlet port (11), andthe mixing chamber (6) (for example, from the second inlet conduitpassageway (16) toward the mixing chamber (6)). Within the mixingchamber (6), the second fluid (19) mixes with the first fluid (17) todecrease the outlet conduit passageway pressure differential (3) betweenthe outlet conduit opposing first and second ends (4)(5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 11, the connector (1)includes a mixing chamber (6) which, as to particular embodiments, canbe defined by a connector internal surface (21) between connector firstand second open ends (8)(10).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the mixing chamber (6)includes a first inlet port (7) in fluidic communication with theconnector first open end (8) and the mixing chamber (6). Accordingly, afirst fluid (17) can ingress into the mixing chamber (6) from theconnector first open end (8) by flowing through the first inlet port(7), whereby as to particular embodiments, the first fluid (17) can be aliquid.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the mixing chamber (6)further includes an outlet port (9) in fluidic communication with themixing chamber (6) and the connector second open end (10). Accordingly,the first fluid (17) can egress from the mixing chamber (6) toward theconnector second open end (10) by flowing through the outlet port (9).

Correspondingly, a first fluid flow path (18) can be defined by theconnector first open end (8), the first inlet port (7), the mixingchamber (6), the outlet port (9), and the connector second open end(10), whereby as to particular embodiments, the first fluid (17) canflow from the connector first open end (8), through the mixing chamber(6), and toward the connector second open end (10) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 12).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, the connectorfirst open end (8) can be configured to couple to a first inlet conduit(12) to fluidicly couple a first inlet conduit passageway (13) with thefirst inlet port (7) and the connector second open end (10) can beconfigured to couple to an outlet conduit (2) to fluidicly couple anoutlet conduit passageway (14) with the outlet port (9).

As but one illustrative example, the first inlet conduit (12) and theoutlet conduit (2) can be received within the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) to sealably engage the first inletconduit (12) and the outlet conduit (2) with the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) and fluidicly couple the first inletconduit passageway (13) and the outlet conduit passageway (14) with thecorresponding first inlet port (7) and outlet port (9).

As another illustrative example, the first inlet conduit (12) and theoutlet conduit (2) can be disposed around the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) to sealably engage the first inletconduit (12) and the outlet conduit (2) with the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) and fluidicly couple the first inletconduit passageway (13) and the outlet conduit passageway (14) with thecorresponding first inlet port (7) and outlet port (9).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, upon coupling of thefirst inlet conduit (12) and the outlet conduit (2) to the correspondingconnector first and second open ends (8)(10), the first fluid flow path(18) can be defined by the first inlet conduit passageway (13), thefirst inlet port (7), the mixing chamber (6), the outlet port (9), andthe outlet conduit passageway (14), whereby as to particularembodiments, the first fluid (17) can flow from the first inlet conduitpassageway (13), through the mixing chamber (6), and toward the outletconduit passageway (14).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the outlet conduit (2) has outletconduit opposing first and second ends (4)(5), in between which theoutlet conduit passageway (14) is disposed. The outlet conduit first end(4) can couple to the connector second open end (10) and the outletconduit second end (5) can couple to a collection reservoir (22) tofluidicly couple the mixing chamber (6) with the collection reservoir(22) via the outlet conduit passageway (14). Subsequently, as toparticular embodiments, the first fluid (17) can flow in the first fluidflow path (18) from the first inlet conduit passageway (13), through themixing chamber (6) and the outlet conduit passageway (14), and into thecollection reservoir (22), generating a closed fluid flow path betweenthe first inlet conduit passageway (13) and the collection reservoir(22).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “closed fluid flowpath” means a fluid flow path in which mass does not transfer into orout of.

Following, as the first fluid (17) is collected within the collectionreservoir (22), an outlet conduit passageway pressure differential (3)between the outlet conduit opposing first and second ends (4)(5) can begenerated. As such, a greater pressure (or positive pressure) can begenerated within the outlet conduit passageway (14) proximate the outletconduit second end (5) relative to the outlet conduit first end (4),whereby the greater pressure can inhibit, either partially orcompletely, the flow of the first fluid (17) into the collectionreservoir (22).

As but one illustrative example, the first inlet conduit (12) can beconfigured as a catheter (23) having a catheter first end coupled to abladder of a user (not shown) and a catheter second end coupled to theconnector first open end (8), fluidicly coupling the bladder with themixing chamber (6) via a catheter passageway (25) between the catheterfirst end and the catheter second ends. The outlet conduit (2) can havean outlet conduit first end (4) coupled to the connector second open end(10) and an outlet conduit second end (5) coupled to a collectionreservoir (22) configured as a urine drainage bag (26), fluidiclycoupling the mixing chamber (6) with the urine drainage bag (26) via theoutlet conduit passageway (14). Accordingly, the first fluid (17), whichcan be urine, can flow in the closed fluid flow path from the bladder tothe urine drainage bag (26). However, upon collection of an amount ofurine within the urine drainage bag (26), a greater pressure can begenerated within the outlet conduit passageway (14) proximate the outletconduit second end (5) relative to the outlet conduit first end (4). Inaddition to potentially inhibiting, either partially or completely, theflow of urine from the bladder to the urine drainage bag (26), thegreater pressure may also cause discomfort or pain to the user.

Therefore, the mixing chamber (6) further includes a second inlet port(11) in fluidic communication with the connector second open end (10)and the mixing chamber (6). Accordingly, a second fluid (19) can ingressinto the mixing chamber (6) from the connector second open end (10) byflowing through the second inlet port (11), whereby as to particularembodiments, the second fluid (19) can be a gas.

Correspondingly, a second fluid flow path (20) can be defined by theconnector second open end (10), the second inlet port (11), and themixing chamber (6), whereby as to particular embodiments, the secondfluid (19) can flow from the connector second open end (10) toward themixing chamber (6).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, the connectorsecond open end (10) can further be configured to couple to a secondinlet conduit (15) to fluidicly couple a second inlet conduit passageway(16) with the second inlet port (11).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, upon couplingof the second inlet conduit (15) to the connector second open end (10),the second fluid flow path (20) can be defined by the second inletconduit passageway (16), the second inlet port (11), and the mixingchamber (6), whereby as to particular embodiments, the second fluid (19)can flow from the second inlet conduit passageway (16) toward the mixingchamber (6).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the second inlet conduit (15) hassecond inlet conduit opposing first and second ends (27)(28), in betweenwhich the second inlet conduit passageway (16) is disposed. The secondinlet conduit first end (27) can couple to the connector second open end(10) and the second inlet conduit second end (28) can couple to thecollection reservoir (22) to fluidicly couple the collection reservoir(22) to the mixing chamber (6) via the second inlet conduit passageway(16). Subsequently, as to particular embodiments, the second fluid (19)can flow in the second fluid flow path (20) from the collectionreservoir (22), through the second inlet conduit passageway (16), andinto the mixing chamber (6), adding to the closed fluid flow pathbetween the first inlet conduit passageway (13) and the collectionreservoir (22).

Following, as the first fluid (17) is collected within the collectionreservoir (22) and an outlet conduit passageway pressure differential(3) between the outlet conduit opposing first and second ends (4)(5) isgenerated, as to particular embodiments, the second fluid (19) can flowin the second fluid flow path (20) from the second inlet conduitpassageway (16) toward the mixing chamber (6). Within the mixing chamber(6), the second fluid (19) mixes with the first fluid (17) to decreasethe outlet conduit passageway pressure differential (3) between theoutlet conduit opposing first and second ends (4)(5).

Regarding the illustrative example whereby the first inlet conduit (12)is configured as a catheter (23) coupled between a bladder of a user andthe connector first open end (8), and the outlet conduit (2) couplesbetween the connector second end (10) and a urine drainage bag (26),urine can flow in the closed fluid flow path from the bladder to theurine drainage bag (26). Upon collection of an amount of urine withinthe urine drainage bag (26), the second fluid (19), such as gas from aheadspace of the urine drainage bag (26), can flow in the second fluidflow path (20) from the collection reservoir (22), through the secondinlet conduit passageway (16), and into the mixing chamber (6), in whichthe second fluid (19) can mix with the urine to decrease the outletconduit passageway pressure differential (3) between the outlet conduitopposing first and second ends (4)(5). Hence, upon collection of theurine within the urine drainage bag (26), a significant outlet conduitpassageway pressure differential (3) may not be generated and,consequently, the flow of urine from the bladder to the urine drainagebag (26) may not be inhibited.

As to particular embodiments, when flowing in the second fluid flow path(20), the second fluid (19) can urge the first fluid (17) through theoutlet port (9) and into the outlet conduit passageway (14), therebyfacilitating flow of the first fluid (17) in the first fluid flow path(18).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, the connector (1) can,but need not necessarily, further include a first valve (29) disposedwithin the first fluid flow path (18) to regulate flow of the firstfluid (17). As to particular embodiments, the first valve (29) can be aunidirectional first valve (29) configured to allow a first directionalflow of the first fluid (17) from the connector first open end (8)toward the connector second open end (10). Correspondingly, theunidirectional first valve (29) interrupts a second directional flow ofthe first fluid (17) from the connector second open end (10) toward theconnector first open end (8).

Thus, upon coupling of the first inlet conduit (12) and the outletconduit (2) to the corresponding connector first and second open ends(8)(10), the first fluid flow path (18), defined by the first inletconduit passageway (13), the first inlet port (7), the mixing chamber(6), the outlet port (9), and the outlet conduit passageway (14), can bea unidirectional fluid flow path, whereby the first fluid (17) flowsonly from the first inlet conduit passageway (13) toward the outletconduit passageway (14).

The unidirectional first valve (29) can have any type of valveconfiguration capable of regulating flow of the first fluid (17) asdescribed herein and, without limitation to the breadth of theforegoing, can include as illustrative examples: a duckbill valve, aflapper valve, an umbrella valve, a spring-loaded valve, or any of anumerous and wide variety of valve configurations as would be known toone of ordinary skill in the art as capable of unidirectionallyregulating a fluid flow.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 19 through FIG. 21, the connector (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include a second valve (30)disposed within the second fluid flow path (20) to regulate flow of thesecond fluid (19). As to particular embodiments, the second valve (30)can be a unidirectional second valve (30) configured to allow a firstdirectional flow of the second fluid (19) from the connector second openend (10) toward the mixing chamber (6). Correspondingly, theunidirectional second valve (30) interrupts a second directional flow ofthe second fluid (19) from the mixing chamber (6) toward the connectorsecond open end (10).

Thus, upon coupling of the second inlet conduit (15) to the connectorsecond open end (10), the second fluid flow path (20), defined by thesecond inlet conduit passageway (16), the second inlet port (11), andthe mixing chamber (6), can be a unidirectional fluid flow path, wherebythe second fluid (30) flows only from the second inlet conduitpassageway (16) toward the mixing chamber (6).

The unidirectional second valve (30) can have any type of valveconfiguration capable of regulating flow of the second fluid (19) asdescribed herein and, without limitation to the breadth of theforegoing, can include as illustrative examples: a duckbill valve, aflapper valve, an umbrella valve, a spring-loaded valve, or any of anumerous and wide variety of valve configurations as would be known toone of ordinary skill in the art as capable of unidirectionallyregulating a fluid flow.

As to particular embodiments, the unidirectional second valve (30) canbe coupled or connected to the connector internal surface (21) todispose the unidirectional second valve (30) within the second fluidflow path (20) (not shown).

As to other particular embodiments, the unidirectional second valve (30)can be disposed within the second inlet conduit passageway (16) todispose the unidirectional second valve (30) within the second fluidflow path (20) (as shown in the examples of the Figures).

As to particular embodiments, the outlet conduit (2) having the outletconduit passageway (14) can be discrete from the second inlet conduit(15) having the second inlet conduit passageway (16) (not shown).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18 throughFIG. 21, as to other particular embodiments, the outlet conduit (2) andthe second inlet conduit (15) can be combined into a one-piece tubularconstruct (31) including both the outlet conduit passageway (14) and thesecond inlet conduit passageway (16).

The one-piece tubular construct (31) can have one-piece tubularconstruct opposing external and internal surfaces (32)(33) disposedbetween one-piece tubular construct opposing first and second ends(34)(35), whereby the one-piece tubular construct internal surface (33)can define a discrete outlet conduit passageway (14) and a discretesecond inlet conduit passageway (16), both of which communicate betweenthe one-piece tubular construct opposing first and second ends (34)(35).

As to particular embodiments, the outlet conduit passageway (14) and thesecond inlet conduit passageway (16) can dispose in laterally adjacentrelation to one another between the one-piece tubular conduit opposingfirst and second ends (34)(35) (as shown in the examples of theFigures).

As to other particular embodiments, the outlet conduit passageway (14)and the second inlet conduit passageway (16) can dispose in concentricrelation to one another between the one-piece tubular conduit opposingfirst and second ends (34)(35) (not shown).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, which illustrates a method of usinganother particular embodiment of an inventive connector (1) for sensinga parameter of a first fluid (17) flowing in a first fluid flow path(18) through a connector passageway (36), whereby the connector (1)includes a connector internal surface (21) defining a connectorpassageway (36) which communicates between connector first and secondopen ends (8)(10); and a sensor module (37) operatively coupled to theconnector passageway (36). The method includes generating a flow of thefirst fluid (17) in the first fluid flow path (18) through the connectorpassageway (36), and sensing the parameter of the first fluid (17)flowing in the first fluid flow path (18) through the connectorpassageway (36).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3, the connector (1) includes aconnector internal surface (21) defining a connector passageway (36)which communicates between connector first and second open ends (8)(10).

Correspondingly, a first fluid flow path (18) can be defined by theconnector first open end (8), the connector passageway (36), and theconnector second open end (10), whereby as to particular embodiments,the first fluid (17) flows from the connector first open end (8),through the connector passageway (36), and toward the connector secondopen end (10).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, the connectorfirst open end (8) can be configured to couple to a first inlet conduit(12) to fluidicly couple a first inlet conduit passageway (13) with theconnector passageway (36), and the connector second open end (10) can beconfigured to couple to an outlet conduit (2) to fluidicly couple anoutlet conduit passageway (14) with the connector passageway (36).

As but one illustrative example, the first inlet conduit (12) and theoutlet conduit (2) can be received within the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) to sealably engage the first inletconduit (12) and the outlet conduit (2) with the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) and fluidicly couple the first inletconduit passageway (13) and the outlet conduit passageway (14) with theconnector passageway (36).

As another illustrative example, the first inlet conduit (12) and theoutlet conduit (2) can be disposed around the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) to sealably engage the first inletconduit (12) and the outlet conduit (2) with the corresponding connectorfirst and second open ends (8)(10) and fluidicly couple the first inletconduit passageway (13) and the outlet conduit passageway (14) with theconnector passageway (36).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, upon coupling of thefirst inlet conduit (14) and the outlet conduit (2) to the correspondingconnector first and second open ends (8)(10), the first fluid flow path(18) can be defined by the first inlet conduit passageway (13), theconnector passageway (36), and the outlet conduit passageway (14).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, the connector (1) can,but need not necessarily, further include a first valve (29) disposedwithin the first fluid flow path (18) to regulate flow of the firstfluid (17). As to particular embodiments, the first valve (29) can be aunidirectional first valve (29) configured to allow a first directionalflow of the first fluid (17) from the connector first open end (8)toward the connector second open end (10). Correspondingly, theunidirectional first valve (29) interrupts a second directional flow ofthe first fluid (17) from the connector second open end (10) toward theconnector first open end (8).

Thus, upon coupling of the first inlet conduit (12) and the outletconduit (2) to the corresponding connector first and second open ends(8)(10), the first fluid flow path (18), defined by the first inletconduit passageway (13), the connector passageway (36), and the outletconduit passageway (14), can be a unidirectional fluid flow path,whereby the first fluid (17) flows only from the first inlet conduitpassageway (13) toward the outlet conduit passageway (14).

The unidirectional first valve (29) can have any type of valveconfiguration capable of regulating flow of the first fluid (17) asdescribed herein and, without limitation to the breadth of theforegoing, can include as illustrative examples: a duckbill valve, aflapper valve, an umbrella valve, a spring-loaded valve, or any of anumerous and wide variety of valve configurations as would be known toone of ordinary skill in the art as capable of unidirectionallyregulating a fluid flow.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 22, the connector (1) further includes asensor module (37) operatively coupled to the connector passageway (36)to sense a parameter of a first fluid (17) flowing in a first fluid flowpath (18) through the connector passageway (36).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 22, the sensor module (37) can includeone or more sensors (38) which each generate a sensor signal (39). Thesensor module (37) can further include a microcontroller (40) configuredto receive, process, and transform each sensor signal (39).

The microcontroller (40) can take the form of a small computer on one ormore integrated circuits, whereby the microcontroller (40) can includeat least one processor (41) which operatively controls the function of avariety of modules (42) stored as computer program code (43) in aprogrammable memory element (44), whereby each module (42) functions toprovide a response related to the sensor signal (39) received by themicrocontroller (40). A bus can operably couple components of themicrocontroller (40), including without limitation, the processor (41)and the programmable memory element (44).

The microcontroller (40) can be a conventional microcontroller (40). Asan illustrative example, a microcontroller (40) suitable for use withembodiments of the connector (1) can be obtained from MicrochipTechnology Inc., 2355 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, Ariz. 85224,USA, for example Part Numbers PIC18F4620-I/PT, PIC18LF14K22, orPIC18LF15K22. However, the invention need not be so limited, as any of anumerous and wide variety of similar or equivalent components can besuitable as a microcontroller (40) programmable to perform the functionsof the connector (1) as described or shown herein.

The processor (41) can include one central-processing unit (CPU), aplurality of processors which operate in parallel to process digitalinformation, a digital signal processor (DSP) plus a host processor, orthe like, or other conventional processors (41) as would be known to oneof ordinary skill in the art.

The bus can include any bus configuration having any of a wide varietyof bus architectures.

The programmable memory element (44) can be a read only memory (ROM) ora random access memory (RAM), or both, or other conventional memoryelements (44) as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 22, the one or more sensors (38) caninclude any of a wide variety of sensors (38) which can sense variousparameters of the first fluid (17) flowing in the first fluid flow path(18) through the connector passageway (36). As non-limiting examples,the sensed parameters can include fluid flow rate (45), fluid volume(46), fluid temperature (47), fluid pH (48), fluid conductivity (49),fluid turbidity (50), amount of blood in fluid (51), amount of proteinin fluid (52), amount of dissolved gas in fluid (53), or the like, orcombinations thereof, or any desired parameter of the first fluid (17)flowing in the first fluid flow path (18) through the connectorpassageway (36).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a fluid flow ratesensor (54) which can send a sensor signal (39) to a fluid flow ratecalculation module (55) within the microcontroller (40). As toparticular embodiments, the fluid flow rate sensor (54) can have aresistive element configured to maintain a constant temperature. Whenthe first fluid (17) flowing in the first fluid flow path (18) throughthe connector passageway (36) has a fluid temperature lesser than thetemperature which the resistive element is configured to maintain, anamount of heat transfers from the resistive element to the first fluid(17), thereby lessening the temperature of the resistive element belowthe temperature which the resistive element is configured to maintain.Accordingly, an amount of current is generated to increase thetemperature of the resistive element toward the temperature which theresistive element is configured to maintain, whereby the amount ofcurrent required to increase the temperature can be related to the fluidflow rate of the first fluid (17) flowing in the first fluid flow path(18) through the connector passageway (36). As to particularembodiments, the fluid volume (46) can additionally be calculated.

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a fluid temperaturesensor (56) configured as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a thermostat, asemiconductor circuit, or the like, or other conventional temperaturesensing devices as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.As an illustrative example, a suitable thermistor for use withembodiments of the connector (1) can be obtained from MicrochipTechnology Inc., 2355 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, Ariz. 85224,USA, for example Part Number MCP98242. However, the invention need notbe so limited, as any of a numerous and wide variety of similar orequivalent components can be suitable as a fluid temperature sensor (56)configured to sense a fluid temperature (47) and send a correspondingsensor signal (39) to a fluid temperature module (57) within themicrocontroller (40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a fluid pH sensor(58), as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, which cansense the fluid pH (48) and send a corresponding sensor signal (39) to afluid pH module (59) within the microcontroller (40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a fluidconductivity sensor (60), as would be known to one of ordinary skill inthe art, which can sense the fluid conductivity (49) and send acorresponding sensor signal (39) to a fluid conductivity module (61)within the microcontroller (40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a fluid turbiditysensor (62), as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art,which can sense the fluid turbidity (50) and send a corresponding sensorsignal (39) to a fluid turbidity module (63) within the microcontroller(40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a blood contentsensor (64), as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art,which can sense an amount of blood in the fluid (51) and send acorresponding sensor signal (39) to a blood content module (65) withinthe microcontroller (40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a protein contentsensor (66), as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art,which can sense an amount of protein in the fluid (52) and send acorresponding sensor signal (39) to a protein content module (67) withinthe microcontroller (40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can be a dissolved gassensor (68), as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art,which can sense an amount of dissolved gas in the fluid (53) and send acorresponding sensor signal (39) to a dissolved gas module (69) withinthe microcontroller (40).

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (38) can generate an analogsensor signal, which can be received by the microcontroller (40). As toparticular embodiments, the sensor (38) can continuously orintermittently sense the parameter and correspondingly continuously orintermittently generate the sensor signal (39) receivable by themicrocontroller (40). A sensor signal converter module (70) within themicrocontroller (40) can convert the analog sensor signal into a digitalsensor signal.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 22, the sensor module (37) can furtherinclude a transmitter (71) configured to transmit a transmitter signal(72) to a remote device (73), such as a computer. As to particularembodiments, the transmitter signal (72) can be transmitted over a localarea network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) using conventional wiredformats, such as Ethernet, or conventional wireless formats, such aswireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) digital communications protocols, which can befacilitated by an antenna (74).

It should be appreciated that the sensor module (37), including thesensors ( ), may be provided by any of a number of hardware of softwarecomponents configured to performed the functions described herein.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the connector (1),whether the connector (1) which couples to the outlet conduit (2) todecrease the outlet conduit passageway pressure differential (3) betweenoutlet conduit opposing first and second ends (4)(5) or the connector(1) which senses a parameter of a first fluid (17) flowing in a firstfluid flow path (38) through a connector passageway (36), can includediscrete first and second housings (75)(76), whereby the first housing(75) defines the connector first open end (8) and the second housing(76) defines the connector second open end (10).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, as to particularembodiments, the first housing (75) can include first housing upper andlower portions (77)(78) which can matably engage with one another toprovide an assembled first housing (75) which defines the connectorfirst open end (8).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, as to particularembodiments, the first and second housings (75)(76) can releasablymatably engage with one other to provide the first fluid flow path (18)between the connector first and second open ends (8)(10).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, as to particularembodiments, the first and second housings (75)(76) can include a latchassembly (79) which facilitates releasable matable engagement of thefirst and second housings (75)(76). The latch assembly (79) can includea latch (80) coupled to one of the first and second housings (75)(76)and a latch catch (81) coupled to the other of the first and secondhousings (75)(76), whereby the latch (80) can releasably matably engagewith the latch catch (81) to facilitate releasable matable engagement ofthe first and second housings (75)(76).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, as but oneillustrative example, the latch assembly (79) can include a pair oflatches (80) which outwardly extend one each from opposing sides of thesecond housing (76). The latch assembly (79) further includes acorresponding pair of latch catches (81) which inwardly extend one eachfrom opposing sides of the first housing (75). When the first and secondhousings (75)(76) are axially urged toward one another, the pair oflatches (80) can releasably matably engage with the corresponding pairof latch catches (81) to facilitate releasable matable engagement of thefirst and second housings (75)(76).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, each latch (80) can bedisengaged from the corresponding latch catch (81) by forcible urgingupon a corresponding release element (82). As to particular embodiments,a pair of release elements (82) can be coupled one each to opposingsides of the first housing (75) proximate the pair of latch catches(81). Upon forcible inward urging, each release element (82) canfunction to inwardly urge the corresponding latch (80) to disengage thelatch (80) from the corresponding latch catch (81). As such, the firstand second housings (75)(76) can be disengaged from one another.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a connector systemand methods for making and using such a connector system, including thebest mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “flow” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “flowing”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “flowing”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “flow” and even a “means forflowing.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the connector systems herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A connector which couples to an outletconduit to decrease an outlet conduit passageway pressure differentialbetween outlet conduit opposing first and second ends, said connectorcomprising: a mixing chamber having: a first inlet port in fluidiccommunication with a connector first open end and said mixing chamber;an outlet port in fluidic communication with said mixing chamber and aconnector second open end; and a second inlet port in fluidiccommunication with said connector second open end and said mixingchamber; wherein said connector first open end is configured to coupleto a first inlet conduit to fluidicly couple a first inlet conduitpassageway to said first inlet port; wherein said connector second openend is configured to couple to said outlet conduit to fluidicly couplean outlet conduit passageway to said outlet port; wherein said connectorsecond open end is further configured to couple to a second inletconduit to fluidicly couple a second inlet conduit passageway to saidsecond inlet port; wherein said first inlet conduit passageway, saidfirst inlet port, said mixing chamber, said outlet port, and said outletconduit passageway define a first fluid flow path in which a first fluidflows; wherein said second inlet conduit passageway, said second inletport, and said mixing chamber define a second fluid flow path in which asecond fluid flows; and wherein said second fluid mixes with said firstfluid in said mixing chamber to decrease said outlet conduit passagewaypressure differential.
 2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising afirst valve disposed within said first fluid flow path to regulate flowof said first fluid.
 3. The connector of claim 2, wherein said firstvalve comprises a unidirectional first valve configured to: allow afirst directional flow of said first fluid from said connector firstopen end toward said connector second open end; and interrupt a seconddirectional flow of said first fluid from said connector second open endtoward said connector first open end.
 4. The connector of claim 3,wherein said first fluid flowing in said first fluid flow path flowsfrom said first inlet conduit passageway toward said outlet conduitpassageway.
 5. The connector of claim 4, further comprising a secondvalve disposed within said second fluid flow path to regulate flow ofsaid second fluid.
 6. The connector of claim 5, wherein said secondvalve comprises a unidirectional second valve configured to: allow afirst directional flow of said second fluid from said connector secondopen end toward said mixing chamber; and interrupt a second directionalflow of said second fluid from said mixing chamber toward said connectorsecond open end.
 7. The connector of claim 1, further comprising saidoutlet conduit and said second inlet conduit combined into a one-piecetubular construct including both said outlet conduit passageway and saidsecond inlet conduit passageway.
 8. The connector of claim 1, furthercomprising: discrete first and second housings; wherein said firsthousing defines said connector first open end; and wherein said secondhousing defines said connector second open end.
 9. The connector ofclaim 6, wherein said unidirectional second valve is connected to aconnector internal surface.
 10. The connector of claim 6, wherein saidunidirectional second valve is disposed within said second inlet conduitpassageway.
 11. The connector of claim 6, wherein said second fluidflowing in said second fluid flow path flows from said second inletconduit passageway toward said mixing chamber.
 12. The connector ofclaim 7, wherein said outlet conduit passageway and said second inletconduit passageway dispose in laterally adjacent relation to one anotherbetween one-piece tubular conduit opposing first and second ends. 13.The connector of claim 7, wherein said outlet conduit passageway andsaid second inlet conduit passageway dispose in concentric relation toone another between one-piece tubular conduit opposing first and secondends.
 14. The connector of claim 8, wherein said first and secondhousings releasably matably engage with one another to provide saidfirst fluid flow path between said connector first and second open ends.15. The connector of claim 14, further comprising a latch assemblycoupled to said first and second housings; wherein said latch assemblyfacilitates releasable matable engagement of said first and secondhousings.
 16. The connector of claim 15, wherein said latch assemblycomprises: a latch coupled to one of said first and second housings; anda latch catch coupled to the other of said first and second housings;wherein said latch releasably matably engages with said latch catch. 17.The connector of claim 1, further comprising: a connector internalsurface defining a connector passageway which communicates between saidconnector first and second open ends; and a sensor module operativelycoupled to said connector passageway to sense a parameter of said firstfluid flowing in said first fluid flow path through said connectorpassageway.
 18. The connector of claim 17, wherein said sensor modulecomprises: a sensor which generate a sensor signal; and amicrocontroller configured to receive, process, and transform saidsensor signal.
 19. The connector of claim 18, wherein said sensorcomprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a fluidflow rate sensor, a fluid temperature sensor which senses a fluidtemperature of said first fluid, a pH sensor which senses a fluid pH ofsaid first fluid, a fluid conductivity sensor which senses a fluidconductivity of said first fluid, a fluid turbidity sensor which sensesa fluid turbidity of said first fluid, a blood content sensor whichsenses an amount of blood in said first fluid, a protein content sensorwhich senses an amount of protein in said first fluid, and a dissolvedgas sensor which senses an amount of dissolved gas in said first fluid.20. The connector of claim 18, wherein said sensor module comprises atransmitter configured to transmit a transmitter signal to a remotedevice.